Virginia playing for bragging rights, while Virginia Tech has more in mind

BLACKSBURG — If not for a successful 41-yard field goal by Virginia Tech's Cody Journell that grazed the goalpost before going through late in the fourth quarter last weekend at Boston College, and a determined touchdown drive in overtime, Tech and Virginia could've had the same goal in mind heading into Saturday's game.

It was that close to being nothing more than a bragging rights-only affair in the 94th meeting of the rivals. As it stands, U.Va. (4-7 overall, 2-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) is seeking to snap an eight-game losing streak against its most hated rival, while Tech has ambitions of getting bowl-eligible for a 20th consecutive season with a win.

While it won't be the kind of game that will make the nation take notice, there should be enough intrigue with Tech (5-6, 3-4) in desperation mode in a down year to make it interesting. Here's a look at how the combatants shape up:

Offense

U.Va. quarterbacks Michael Rocco and Phillip Sims have produced in the last three games, completing 68 percent of their passes for 789 yards, seven touchdowns and an interception (which was returned for a touchdown against North Carolina). Tech is 71st in the nation in rushing offense (156.3 yards per game), while U.Va. is 89th (137.5 yards per game). U.Va. running back Perry Jones is a receiving threat (team-best 46 receptions for 379 yards). Quarterback Logan Thomas has been inconsistent (16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions).

Advantage: U.Va.

Defense

Few teams have displayed a more ferocious pass rush in the last five games than Tech, which has posted 22 sacks during the stretch. On Nov. 8, Tech held No. 8 Florida State to minus-15 rushing yards. U.Va. has had success limiting teams on the ground (holding six opponents to under 128 yards rushing), but limiting points has been a bigger challenge for U.Va. (average of 30 points per game surrendered) than it has been for Tech (giving up 24.8 points per game).

Advantage: Tech.

Special teams

Beamerball is all but dead for Tech (no blocked punts against Bowl Subdivision opponents since 2010, no blocked field goals since '08), but Journell (17 of 20 field goals) has been solid and Kyshoen Jarrett (averaging 13.9 yards per punt return) is a threat. U.Va. is 90th in the nation in punt return defense (giving up 9.72 yards per return), 112th in punt return yards (3.15 yards per return) and last in the nation in kickoff return defense (giving up an average of 28.11 yards per return).

Advantage: Tech.

Coaching

Tech's offensive coaching staff hasn't had a banner season, as the Hokies enter this weekend 63rd in the nation in total offense (399.9 yards per game) and 75th in scoring offense (26.9 points per game). Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has seen his unit surrender big plays down the stretch in games. Until U.Va. coach Mike London and Co. can find a way to break through against a rival that has won every game in Blacksburg since 1998, Tech's experienced crew holds the upper hand.

Advantage: Tech.

Overall

Expect Foster to dial up pressure on Rocco and Sims and try to force turnovers — something that plagued U.Va. in the first half of the season (minus-16 in turnovers in the first eight games, plus-three in the last three games). U.Va. leads the ACC in time of possession (average of 33 minutes per game) and could create problems if it manages to eat clock and pick up first downs, but Tech has too much riding on this one to let it slip away.